Casa Carioka Rio Hostel is a new hostel in Rio, offering something a little different than the party hostels that are most common in Copacabana and Ipanema.
Location
The worst feature of Casa Carioka is the uphill trek that has to be endured before reaching its location, at the peak. After arrival, things will improve. It feels a world away from the street noise at the bottom of the hill, and there's even the possibility of seeing small monkeys jumping from branch to branch in the trees that hang over the hostel.
Copacabana beach is only four blocks away from the hostel, as is also the nearest Metro station. It is also very easy to catch a bus or hail a taxi in the main streets of Copacabana which makes getting anywhere in Rio a very easy task. The two main tourist attractions, Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, are reached easily by bus but are also both less than an hour's walk.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There is only one dorm in the hostel and three double rooms. This ensures that there is always plentiful space to relax while also enough people to make some new acquaintances. The dorms and double rooms are always in good condition, with cleaning done on a constant basis. There are only two bathrooms in the entire hostel, which can be a problem when the hostel gets busy. These are also kept in exceptional condition. In fact, cleanliness is one of the main positives of this hostel.
Common Spaces
The common areas are quite small but this means you have no choice but to get to know everyone else at the hostel. They are stocked with plenty of information on Rio, including lots of information written by the staff and owners themselves. It feels as if they have really put a lot of thought into what should be recommended, which will be of priceless use for anyone only visiting for a couple of days and wanting to make the most of their experience.
Breakfast is quite basic, but some of the other amenities can be quite useful. Laundry can be done on site, there is Wi-Fi and a computer with internet access, kitchen facilities, and a fridge stocked with drinks and chocolates (very dangerous!).
Summary
If you're coming to Rio to party then this may not be the perfect hostel for you, however if you're looking for a balance between partying, getting to know Rio, and having a place to relax, then this may be the spot for you.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
September 2009
Location/Contact
